Bucks of America facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bucks of America |
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Bucks of America flag was presented to the Black Patriot, militiamen, after the war, in 1789, by Massachusetts governor, John Hancock and the grateful, citizens of Boston, honor them, presenting a white silk flag, displaying a leaping buck and a pine tree, the symbol of New England, and on the top, the initials, "J-G-W-H", of their benefactor son, John George Washington Hancock [died 1787]
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| Active | date unknown |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance | Massachusetts |
| Branch | Massachusetts Militia (Patriot) |
| Type | auxiliary police, security service |
| Size | company |
| Mascot(s) | John George Washington Hancock (as a child, may have been the Bucks of America mascot) |
| Engagements | American Revolutionary War no combat experience |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Colonel George Middleton |
The Bucks of America was a special group of soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. This company was part of the Massachusetts militia and was made up entirely of African Americans. They were known as "Patriots" because they supported the American colonies' fight for independence from Great Britain.
Not many official records about the Bucks of America have survived. Most of what we know comes from stories and accounts from people who lived at that time.
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African Americans in the Revolution
When the American Revolutionary War started in 1775, many black soldiers joined the fight. Both enslaved and free African Americans served alongside white soldiers in militia groups, especially in the New England colonies. These local militias later became the main part of the new Continental Army, which was the national army for the colonies.
At first, there was some debate about whether black soldiers should be allowed to join the army. By the end of 1775, George Washington, who was the army's commander, decided to stop enlisting black soldiers. However, he soon changed his mind. This was partly because the army needed more soldiers. Also, the British had offered freedom to enslaved people who would leave their Patriot owners and join the British side. Because of this, Washington allowed free black men to join the Continental Army. Enslaved people could also serve if their white owners sent them as substitutes.
Each state made its own choices about allowing African Americans to enlist. Massachusetts continued to accept black soldiers into its integrated militia units. It also created some separate units just for black soldiers, like the Bucks of America.
What Did the Bucks of America Do?
We don't know much about where the Bucks of America fought. It seems they mostly stayed in the Boston area. They probably worked as a kind of local police or security group in the city during the war. They are not believed to have fought in any major battles against British soldiers.
A newspaper from the time, The Liberator, mentioned that the Bucks of America were like "The Protectors." This group guarded the property of Boston merchants during the Revolutionary War.
Their Leader: George Middleton
One important member of the Bucks of America was George Middleton. He is the only member of the company whose name we know for sure. Some people say he reached the rank of colonel, which is a very high rank. However, a company like the Bucks would usually be led by a captain.
The exact dates when the Bucks of America were formed and when they stopped serving are not known.
Special Gifts: The Flag and Medallion
Even after the American Revolution ended, the Bucks of America were still honored in Boston. Around 1789, Governor John Hancock and his young son, John George Washington Hancock, gave the company a special gift. They presented a white silk flag to honor them.
This flag showed a leaping buck (a male deer) and a pine tree, which was a symbol of New England. At the top of the flag were the initials "J-G-W-H," for John George Washington Hancock. The original flag is now kept at the Massachusetts Historical Society.
There is also a special medallion made for the Bucks of America. It is an oval-shaped silver piece with the letters "MW" at the bottom. Above that, there are thirteen stars, representing the 13 United States. It also shows a leaping buck and a shield with three fleur-de-lis flowers. These flowers were a symbol of the French royal family. They were included on the medallion to show the alliance between France and America during the war.
Known Members of the Bucks
While George Middleton is the most well-known, here are some other members who may have been part of the Bucks of America:
- Primus Hall - a free man who enlisted
- Prince Hall - a free man who enlisted
- Barzillai Lew - a free man who enlisted
- George Middleton
